Need Advice On A Good TV For Computer Use

[jamesbond007]

Hello people. I'm in the market for a 20" TV that can fit on my computer desk and will be used for DivX playback, SVCDs, PlayStation 2, and Digital Cable.

With my uses out of the way, I'm currently looking at these two TVs. (By the way, I want to purchase locally to save on shipping and my poor FedEx/UPS delivery guys' backs. They've brought quite a few heavy boxes to my house. Hehehe. Ok, now for the round up:

Toshiba 20" FST Pure Flat Stereo TV (Model: 20AF41)

Sony 20" FD Trinitron WEGA Television (Model: KV-20FS12)

I really like the Toshiba because of 3rd set of RCA inputs. The component plugs are not necessary...yet. I don't have any component that will use them. I plan to use S-Video for Digital Cable, a RCA for the PlayStation 2, and a RCA for the computer. The front ones will be blank for a camcorder or something. (I'll think of a use. )

I'm open to any other suggestions and comments on this issue. My main concern is product quality along side of the quality of the picture. Side by side at Best Buy, they look the same. I like the remote better on the Toshiba, but that's irrelevant.

Another note of mention, all sound will go through my Cambridge SoundWorks DTT3500s. Digital DIN for computer playback, Coaxial/SPDIF for the Digital Cable receiver, and Optical for the PlayStation 2.

Thanks in advance for your time and your input.

~JB007

 

[masterc]

Hitachi makes a top notch conventional tube TV. I know it's not a flat screen but you can save some bucks and get all the features...

 

[microAmp]

Wow, quite a feat of setup there. I'm jelaous

Well, if the look the same at BB for quality then I would look at features of the TV and reliability of one. Me and my parents have 27" Sony TV's, on everyday and seem to be lasting. Maybe some here can say something good about thier Toshiba. Maybe check Consumer Reports about TV repairs on Sony's and Toshiba's.

It kind of seems that you are already leaning towards the Toshiba........ and wanting it. What is making you consider the Sony?

 

[darth maul]

Get this one, or atleast go look at it.

Hope that link works. But its to Panasonic's CT-20SX11, you prolly won't find it at best buy or a circuit city, so you may need to get out your yellow pages and look for higher end Audio/Video dealers in your area. And if nothing else, go to a few of those places to check out other higher end sets from other companies.

 

[jamesbond007]

I consider the Sony and other manufacturers because Sony is noted for having great monitors...I've never personally owned a Sony TV, but I know their monitors are very good. This is why I came here; searching for input and possible experiences with the TVs I asked about.

I'm not a fan of Hitatchi. Not sure why. My uncle is though. I'll check them out, too.

That Panasonic is a great TV. I totally forgot about Crutchfield. I've ordered a few items from them in the past and have been very satisifed. I'll have to check their site out to see what they have, too.

I'm leaning towards the Toshiba for several reasons. It's cheaper (gotta love that), same quality of image as Sony version, has more inputs than Sony, I like the remote better than the Sony, and I think it looks nicer. Kinda like a wide-screen TV because the speakers are fat and are on the side rather than on the bottom.

Thanks for the input thus far!

 

[jamesbond007]

Samsung 27" Flat-Tube Stereo TV with DVD Component Video Inputs (Model: TXL-2791)

Wow, that's very very large (7" more), ~$120 more than the Sony, and has all of the features of the Toshiba that I like. I could see myself getting this because I'd be able to use it as a main TV when I move out. The 20" will be suffice for now, but the 27" would definitely be considered planning for the future. I've always been under the assumption that Samsung is good in the TV market, too.

It's pretty damn big for my computer desk, though. Maybe some of you other guys would like it, too.

I found that Panasonic at Crutchfield. However, I'd prefer to buy locally over mail-order.

Do you guys think the 3-Year warranty would be a good choice on whatever TV I get at Best Buy? I see the Sony and Toshiba have only a 1 year on them.

Let me know! I think it's like an extra $50.

Thanks,
~JB007